Vintage Carved Bone and Silver Frangipani (Plumeria) Brooch

This is a vintage cluster brooch featuring three expertly carved frangipani (plumeria) blossoms set against a metallic leaf backplate. Each flower is hand-carved, likely from animal bone or possibly early celluloid/ivory-effect plastic, showing a creamy off-white color with hand-painted yellow accents at the center to mimic the natural coloration of the blossom. The petals are arranged in an overlapping five-point star pattern. The secondary structural element is a large, textured silver-toned metal leaf with visible oxidation and tarnish, suggesting a likely sterling or silver-plated composition. The piece is housed in its original or period-appropriate presentation box, which features a green velvet display bed and a satin-lined lid. There is noticeable wear on the box's outer edges and some surface dust on the velvet. The brooch itself shows light patina on the metal and minor age-appropriate yellowing of the carved material. The style is consistent with mid-20th-century floral costume jewelry, possibly originating from Hawaii or East Asia as a tourist souvenir or boutique fashion accessory. The craftsmanship shows high attention to detail in the organic shape of the petals and the realistic vein textures on the metallic leaf backing.

Based on my examination of this vintage frangipani brooch, the piece exemplifies mid-20th-century floral jewelry, likely of Hawaiian or East Asian origin. The hand-carved bone flowers exhibit superior craftsmanship, featuring a realistic 'rolled' petal edge and delicate hand-tinted yellow centers. The silver-toned leaf backing shows a heavy patina consistent with aged sterling silver, though I cannot confirm the hallmark via images. The inclusion of the period-appropriate green velvet display box adds significant collector appeal. The condition is 'Very Good/Vintage,' noting minor oxidation on the metal and slight age-toning of the organic material, which authenticates its 'old' status. In today’s market, mid-century botanical pieces—particularly those using natural materials rather than plastic—retain a steady demand among vintage fashion enthusiasts and regional souvenir collectors. Comparables for unbranded bone-and-silver brooches typically range from $85 to $150; however, the level of detail in the carving and the presence of original packaging elevate this specific example. Key limitations: From imagery alone, I cannot definitively distinguish between bovine bone and ivory without inspecting for Schreger lines or performing a 'hot needle' test to rule out early celluloid. Furthermore, the silver content remains unverified without a chemical acid test or a visible '925' stamp. A full authentication would require an in-person loupe inspection to confirm the grain structure of the blossoms and a metallurgical test of the leaf base. Should the metal be confirmed as solid sterling and the manufacturer identified (such as Ming’s of Honolulu or a similar boutique maker), the value could exceed $300.